GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PROTECTING SHIRAZ'S HISTORIC URBAN FABRIC FROM FLOODING

Abstract

Shiraz, a city known for its rich historical urban fabric, faces increasing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events, particularly floods. The rapid urbanization and limited stormwater management infrastructure have exacerbated the vulnerability of the city's historic areas to flooding. Due to the registration of 360 km of Shiraz historical fabric in the national register in 2023, the importance of planning to safeguard this precious heritage has become twice as crucial. This study explores the potential of urban green spaces as a sustainable approach to mitigate flood impacts on Shiraz's historic urban fabric. Through a comprehensive analysis of flood patterns, urban green spaces, and historic buildings, this research aims to identify the most flood-prone areas and assess the effectiveness of existing green spaces in minimizing flood risks. The study also evaluates the role of vegetation and permeable surfaces in stormwater management to reduce floodwater runoff and its impact on historical structures. The findings reveal that strategically designed and maintained urban green spaces can act as natural flood buffers, helping to regulate water flow, reduce surface runoff, and minimize flood-induced damage to historic buildings. By integrating green spaces into urban planning, policymakers can enhance the city's resilience to floods and preserve the unique character and heritage of Shiraz's historic urban fabric. This study advocates for incorporating green infrastructure and sustainable stormwater management practices as integral to urban planning strategies. By embracing nature-based solutions, Shiraz can safeguard its historical treasures and foster a more sustainable and resilient urban environment for current and future generations. This research aimed to assess the implications of reducing urban green spaces, particularly in the green belt surrounding Shiraz's historic urban fabric and Snag-e-Siah neighborhood, on the vulnerability of historical sites to flood damage and potential demolition. With the utilization of urban green spaces, flood damage to Shiraz's built heritage was investigated in this study using both quantitative and qualitative methods simultaneously. The study results showed that the reduction of urban green infrastructure significantly increased the damage caused by floods in the historical area of Shiraz.